The dots steadily accumulate, and yet another day comes to an end. I made do with a light meal of portable rations for dinner, but I find myself longing for the premium beef I had on the first day.
The sixth day of the exam ended, and just as Ryūen and I were about to fall asleep in the tent—
"Who's there?"
Outside the tent, faint footsteps could be heard. Along with that, the unmistakable presence of someone. There was no doubt—someone was standing in front of the tent.
It was already the time when the other students would be asleep. The uninhabited island at night was ruled by darkness, making it difficult to navigate. Under normal circumstances, no one would be walking around at this hour.
In other words, whoever was here had a purpose important enough to seek me out despite these conditions.
I opened the tent, holding a flashlight in my right hand to check the situation outside. I swung the light left and right, illuminating the dark surroundings, but no human figure was visible.
I could have used the GPS search, but there was no guarantee that no other students were nearby. I wanted to avoid wasting points on something uncertain.
"...This is..."
A single sheet of paper had been placed in front of the tent. Thoughtfully secured with a stone to prevent it from blowing away in the wind.
When I shone the light on it, I saw writing on the surface:
『Day 7 — Second Designated Area — Near E2』
The handwriting was so impeccably neat that it hardly seemed handwritten, and it detailed tomorrow's seventh day.
"This style of writing... I see."
In the White Room, even penmanship—specifically, calligraphy—was part of the curriculum. This writing bore a striking resemblance to that.
"I don't understand the purpose."
Was it a trap to ensnare me?
Would someone who attended the White Room really act in a way that could give away their identity just by their handwriting?
If it were a trap, there'd be no need to deliberately reveal their identity.
"Hm?"
Upon closer inspection, I noticed another line written on the back of the paper.
『From someone who thinks of you』
"Someone who thinks of you." What exactly did that mean?
I couldn't grasp any meaning behind it at all. Was there even any meaning to begin with?
"E2, huh."
Today's tent was pitched at D4.
E2 was neither too close nor too far.
If this was a trap meant to corner me, I'd just have to deal with it. The meaning behind this message was also intriguing.
Tomorrow, I suppose I'll take a slight detour and check it out.
......
Night of the Sixth Day on the Uninhabited Island
Amasawa and Nanase, members of the same group, were conducting their routine check-in.
"Amasawa -san, you didn't respond earlier. Did something happen?"
Their check-ins always happened at the same time, but Amasawa had failed to answer the transceiver for about ten minutes.
"Sorry~. I was kinda sleepy and dozed off a bit."
Nanase let out a sigh at Amasawa's carefree tone but didn't press further.
"I don't mean to scold you, but please refrain from careless actions."
"Ye~s. But more importantly—Nanase-chan, are you really prepared for this?"
"...Of course I am."
"Ohhh? So you can confidently say you'll get Ayanokōji-senpai expelled?"
"Yes. That's exactly why I've been by his side until today."
Nanase's reply was firm, without hesitation.
Her reason for sticking close to Ayanokōji all this time was solely to execute her plan on the seventh day.
"I'm kinda curious, y'know. Why does someone like you, who's not even from the White Room, hold a grudge against Ayanokōji-senpai?"
"It's not something I'd discuss with others."
Nanase shut down the conversation, unwilling to entertain idle chatter.
"Aw, c'mon~ I'm just interested, that's all!"
"As I said before, it's not something I'd share."
"Hmm… Then, can I ask you one little thing, Ichika-chan?"
"...What is it?"
Relenting at Amasawa's persistence, Nanase reluctantly agreed to answer.
"You said you resent Ayanokōji-senpai, but what do you think about Hikigaya-senpai?"
Nanase stiffened slightly over the transceiver.
"If you hate him for being the 'masterpiece,' wouldn't Hikigaya-senpai also be a target?"
"...Hikigaya-senpai is a good person. My target is solely Ayanokōji-senpai. I have no intention of harming Hikigaya-senpai."
This was Nanase's honest opinion.
Though she had only interacted with Hikigaya a handful of times, her words were based on surface-level observations.
"That's all I have to say. Amasawa -san, do you know what you need to do tomorrow?"
"Just keep people away from Nanase-chan and Ayanokōji-senpai, right?"
"If you understand, then there's nothing more to discuss. Goodbye."
"Okay, okay~ See ya!"
With that airheaded reply, the call ended.
Amasawa let out a small sigh.
"Pfft, Nanase-chan's so serious. 'I'll get Ayanokōji-senpai expelled'—as if that's even possible."
Only those from the same facility—fellow White Room students—truly understood the overwhelming ability of the so-called "masterpiece."
"Well, even if by some miracle Nanase-chan did win against Ayanokōji-senpai, it'd all be for nothing anyway."
Amasawa recalled the reason she had been late for the check-in.
"I wonder if senpai got it~? I added a little romantic twist on the back, just like a love-struck girl. Hope he noticed!"
Kicking her legs playfully, Amasawa continued.
"I really wanted to go see him right then, but I had to hold back. Tomorrow's the day I get to see my cool senpai in action~♪"
Her cheeks flushed slightly as she imagined the next day, a pleased smile on her face.
........
The Seventh Day Finally Begins
Ryūen and I have made a remarkable leap, currently ranking within the top four. Over the past two days, we focused solely on accumulating points, maintaining a narrow lead over third place. As a result, we've held onto fourth place for two consecutive days.
Honestly, things have gone surprisingly smoothly. No major mistakes, and we've secured enough food and water through tasks. If we keep this pace, we should be fine—but that's exactly what makes this exam so dangerous. Nothing ever goes that easily.
As we headed toward our first designated area of the day, D3, I noticed a change in the sky. Gray clouds loomed overhead, threatening rain. According to the forecast, it was supposed to start by midday, but it looked like we only had two or three hours left.
"Bad weather. Looks like rain's coming."
"Tch. Rain, huh?"
Ryūen glanced up, his expression darkening as he frowned.
"You don't like rain?"
"Don't hate it, but right now, it's just a pain in the ass."
We hadn't spent any points on rain gear. If our clothes and shoes got soaked, the added weight and cold would drain our stamina. Muddy ground would slow us down, too. In this exam, rain was nothing but a disadvantage.
The school must have some countermeasures in place, though.
I opened my tablet and, as expected, found a new message waiting.
"Due to weather conditions, basic movement and tasks may be suspended. Please check your tablet periodically for updates."
Losing opportunities to earn points wasn't ideal, but at least it meant a chance to recover stamina for the next day.
"Let's hurry to the designated area. We don't want to get caught in the rain before we arrive."
"Got it."
At this pace, we might even secure first place in arrival rewards.
........
The sky had turned a dull gray by the time I secured first place in the arrival rewards and parted ways with Ryuen.
Given the weather, rain was practically guaranteed. After discussing with Ryuen, we'd agreed to rest until the rain stopped before making our next move. But I decided to use this time to take care of some personal business.
That single sheet of paper delivered to me last night - I needed to verify its true meaning.
"Guess I'll have to climb this."
To get from D3 to E2, scaling the mountain before me would be the fastest route. I could take a detour around it, but if I was going, sooner would be better.
"I'll need to reach the top before the rain starts."
Though the slope was quite steep, if I pushed myself I could probably make it to the top in under ten minutes.
.....
"Senpai Ayanokouji. You don't belong at this school."
In a place just before Area E2, Nanase declares this to Ayanokouji.
Her eyes lack their usual calmness, and the atmosphere around her has completely changed.
"Don't belong? Mind telling me the reason for that?"
Nanase slowly turns to face Ayanokouji.
"Because... you're from the White Room."
The term "White Room" slips out in front of a third party.
Only a very limited number of people know of its existence.
"You've probably already guessed, but I was ordered by Acting Chairman Tsukishiro to enroll in this school. And the mission was—to expel Ayanokouji-senpai."
Nanase, who had been moving covertly until now, boldly lays everything out.
"You could've come at me anytime these past few days, but you chose this place deliberately. There's another reason besides avoiding witnesses, isn't there?"
"I'll defeat you here, injure you, and trigger an emergency alert. Then, when the teachers arrive, you'll be forced to retire and expelled. That's the plan."
"And if I tell the teachers you attacked me?"
"You won't be able to explain. Because the one coming here... is Acting Chairman Tsukishiro."
There's no room for argument. No matter what Ayanokouji says, Tsukishiro will side with Nanase.
Objectively speaking, Ayanokouji is at an overwhelming disadvantage.
In a normal fight, the outcome would be obvious, but if it turns into a brawl, Tsukishiro will intervene and force a retirement—meaning even a draw counts as Ayanokouji's loss.
"The only option you have, senpai, is to abandon your belongings and run."
"That's true."
"But even that would be pointless."
Surviving the deserted island exam without tablets or a tent is impossible. Escaping isn't a viable strategy either.
"...Hah."
After assessing his situation, Ayanokouji lets out a deep sigh and quietly slumps his shoulders.
"Hey, Nanase. Before we start, mind listening to a little complaint of mine?"
"If those are your last words, I'll hear them out."
"Right now... I'm feeling incredibly frustrated."
"I can't offer any comforting words, but you should resent the environment you were raised in."
"That's not it. I'm talking about why I'm the only one who has to deal with this."
Ayanokouji exhales another deep sigh, quiet yet heavy.
"What's the difference between me and him? If I'm the target, he should be too. That way, at least some of the burden would be lifted from me."
"Him...? What are you talking about?"
"Wasting time on this... If he were also a target, I could've enjoyed this exam a little more purely."
Nanase feels a hint of unease at this exchange, which seems like nothing more than a stalling tactic.
"So—it's about time you took over for once."
Ayanokouji turns his body toward the southwest.
There, behind a large rock, the sound of footsteps crunching against gravel echoes.
"...Why?"
The moment she sees the figure, Nanase's eyes widen in disbelief.
"Complaining loud enough for the person in question to hear? That's pretty rotten of you."
"Sorry, but it's how I really feel. Can't be helped."
"That just makes it worse, doesn't it?"
Exchanging light banter, the figure steps forward and stands beside Ayanokouji.
Seeing this, Nanase bites her lip tightly and shouts—
"Why are you here... Hikigaya-senpai?!"
Hachiman drops his backpack and positions himself in front of Ayanokouji.
"Sorry, but my assigned area was around here. Just happened to pass by and spotted you two."
"That's impossible! No one should've been able to enter this area...!"
"Then you just weren't careful enough."
"...Why did you come?"
Nanase asks Hachiman with guilt in her eyes.
"I warned you, didn't I? Never team up with Ayanokouji-senpai during the exam. Don't you remember? I gave you that advice to keep Hikigaya-senpai out of danger."
"I appreciated the warning. But I have my own reasons for being here."
"It's not too late. Please leave this place right now."
"Sorry, but that's not happening. Now that I've seen this, I can't just pretend I didn't."
"Don't you value your school life?"
"Exactly because I do... is why I'm standing here now."
For a moment, Nanase exudes a sorrowful aura, but she steels herself to face Hachiman.
"Don't take this the wrong way. If Hikigaya-senpai gets in my way... I'll break through you."
"Don't worry. No matter what happens, I won't hold it against you."
"I'd prefer it if you just stepped aside."
"Your target is Ayanokouji, right? Then you'll have to go through me first."
As Nanase and Hachiman stand opposed, readying themselves for battle—
Ayanokouji takes a few steps back, sits on a nearby rock, and casually sips water as he rests.
.....
"I'm coming."
The fact that she announces it outright proves she isn't adept at deception.
"Hah!!"
Kicking off the ground, Nanase closes the distance in an instant.
If I carelessly counterattack here, Nanase could end up seriously injured.
That alone would mean game over for me.
To secure a sure victory, the only option I have in this situation is—
Nanase feints left, then reaches straight for me. I deflect her hand, and as she tries to strike with her other arm, my own hand moves faster.
My clenched fist stops just a centimeter before touching her eyes.
"Tch!"
Her reflexes are far above average—precisely why her body instinctively tenses at the impending impact.
"First hit."
Had I struck with full force, this would have ended things right here.
"If that's really your best, you'll never beat me."
"You're free to boast, but it's meaningless if you don't land a hit."
I pull back my fist. At the same time, Nanase retreats about two meters. Then, kicking off the ground again, she charges even faster than before.
But before she can reach me, my arm extends, stopping just a centimeter from her cheek once more.
"Tch!?"
"That makes two. If I had actually hit you, a knockout would've been unavoidable."
For the first time, uncertainty flickers in Nanase's eyes as she looks at me.
"It seems the rumors about your abilities weren't exaggerated, Hikigaya-senpai..."
The only path left for me is to break Nanase's spirit without harming her.
I need to demonstrate overwhelming superiority.
"I understand your strategy now."
It seems Nanase has figured out my plan.
"Admittedly, fighting you normally would be hopeless. I'll concede that."
For a moment, I wonder if her spirit has already broken—but of course not.
The fire in her eyes remains unwavering.
"As 'me'... I probably can't win."
Though she had been completely under my control until now, the faint trace of panic in Nanase's demeanor begins to fade. No—more than that, her entire presence starts to shift.
She kicks off the ground without a sound, launching a high-speed strike. I'm forced into an emergency dodge. Her movements are twice as fast as before—as if she's a different person.
The sharpness of her attacks is on another level entirely.
"'I' will be the one to stop you here."
A mere change in pronoun shouldn't alter one's movements. And yet, the difference in skill before and after is undeniable.
"Who are you? You don't seem like Nanase anymore."
As I speak, Nanase—no, the person before me—stops mid-motion, sharp eyes locking onto me.
"You wouldn't know me. 'I' have no connection to you whatsoever."
Her small fists clench.
"You might not believe me, but I never wanted to drag you into this. The one who needs to pay... is Ayanokouji alone."
"Pay? For Nanase's sake?"
At the very least, it's clear that Nanase's motive isn't just the White Room—this is personal.
"I'm not Nanase. The one standing before you now is... Matsuo Eiichirou."
"Matsuo Eiichirou?"
The surname sounds familiar—and not from some distant memory. It's a name I heard from that man, the one who showed me the true nature of Advanced Nurturing High School.
"The son of the man killed by Ayanokouji's father."
A single thread connects in my mind.
"This body is borrowed. I am here now... to defeat you."
"Borrowed? That's a funny joke."
The idea of another person's consciousness possessing someone else—it's impossible.
"If you think it's a joke, then believe what you want. I didn't want to hurt you... but I have no choice."
Nanase kicks off the ground again, her attacks shifting from disciplined strikes to wild, erratic swings.
"I am here to make him pay... I am!"
No matter how sharp her movements become, I won't let her land a hit. The way her shoulders tremble slightly tells me she's the one being cornered.
But waiting for her to reach her limit is pointless. I need to break her spirit, clearly and decisively.
"I don't get what you're trying to say."
I don't know the full story, but a few things are clear.
"You're not a multiple personality case, and you haven't been possessed by someone else's consciousness."
"I told you. If you think it's a joke, then go ahead."
"Sorry, but I can't buy it. If you had claimed to be some third personality, I might've humored you. But you're saying the real 'Matsuo Eiichirou' has possessed you? That's way too unrealistic."
"Then... then how do you explain this me?!"
There's nothing to explain.
"You've just created another persona for yourself. The fact that you deliberately switch between 'I' and 'me' is proof enough."
I don't know what happened to her, but she's pretending—playing the role of a dead man.
"N-No! I am... I am Matsuo!"
"You want to believe you're hosting Matsuo's consciousness... No, you don't even truly believe it yourself."
She's desperately trying to convince herself, but it's not working.
"No! No! NO!!"
She swings her fists wildly, but not a single one lands.
Physically, she's nearing her limit. Mentally, she's already breaking down. Now's the time to end this.
"——Tch!?"
I pull Nanase into a tight embrace.
Caught off guard, she freezes at first, but soon starts struggling violently in my arms.
"What are you doing!? Let go!!"
"Sorry, but I can't. I can't have you self-destructing like this."
"Let me go!!"
"You're not Matsuo Eiichirou. You're Nanase Tsubasa."
"No...!!"
"That's the truth. No matter how many times you try, you'll never land a hit on me."
"Shut up! Shut up!!"
"When faced with something they don't want to hear, people try to escape. This is to keep you from running."
"No... No..."
"Admit it. You can't beat me."
Though she lands a few weak blows while I hold her, she soon stops struggling, breathing heavily and going still.
While dodging her attacks earlier, I had been thinking—how do I break her spirit?
That's when Arisu's words came to mind.
She once said, "I want you to know the warmth of others." I never understood what she meant—but now, I think I finally do.
——The warmth of others is just another tool to make your opponent lower their guard.
I could've crushed her with sheer strength, but this was far more efficient.
Who knew "human warmth" could be so useful?
........
"Ahh~ ♡ So amazing~ ♡"
From her vantage point in D3, Amasawa watched Nanase and Hachiman's battle with rapt attention, letting out a voice bordering on sensual.
"Sooo cool~ ♡ Just the best~ ♡ It's way beyond just falling for him all over again~ ♡"
She squirmed, her body wriggling restlessly as she ran her hands over herself, as if trying to soothe the tingling excitement coursing through her.
"Seriously, thank you so much, Nanase-chan~ ♡ Because of you, I got to see senpai's super cool side~ ♡"
From the moment she realized Nanase was targeting Ayanokouji in E2, Amasawa had planned to use her as bait.
If Hachiman rushed in, a fight was guaranteed—and for Amasawa, watching him in action was the ultimate thrill.
"So cool~ ♡... I can't take it anymore. I wanna be with senpai right now~ ♡ He needs to take responsibility for making me feel like this~ ♡"
Her heated gaze remained fixed, her expression dreamy and unchanging.
......
The rain had grown considerably heavier.
Nanase, still in my arms, seemed to have cooled her head as she sat up and spoke with a heavy tone.
"I've lost... Hikigaya-senpai."
"So, you're convinced? That's fine with me?"
"Yes. Even if I tried my hardest, I could never beat you."
She seemed resigned, as if all her venom had been drained after being completely seen through.
Once things settled, Ayanokouji, who had been resting nearby, approached us.
"Did you really just rest the whole time?"
"Yeah, thanks to that, I've mostly recovered... Now then."
Ayanokouji turned his gaze to Nanase.
"Mind explaining in detail? Why you targeted me. Without a clear reason, things could get complicated."
"...Right. You both have the right to know—no, I want you to know."
Perhaps lacking the energy to stand, Nanase remained seated as she spoke.
I still couldn't believe she was a White Room student. Her physical abilities were impressive, but by White Room standards, she was far too lacking.
Waiting for her answer, I listened carefully.
"I... enrolled in this school to avenge my childhood friend."
"Childhood friend? Don't tell me—"
"Yes. Eiichirou Matsuo-kun."
There was no mistaking it—that was the name of the son of Matsuo, the man who had served as his butler.
"From kindergarten until junior high graduation, Eiichirou-kun—one year older than me—was someone I admired."
Nanase's calm tone gradually grew heavier.
"Even when pressured by that man, Eiichirou-kun never gave up... But on the evening of February 14th this year, he—"
She didn't need to finish. I understood what she meant. After struggling so hard, he had finally let go of life.
"It's not your fault, Ayanokouji-senpai. But... I couldn't help directing my anger and frustration... at someone."
Hearing her story, things started connecting.
She targeted only Ayanokouji and tried to save me because I was unrelated to Matsuo's case.
Though Matsuo had arranged for Ayanokouji to enter this school, I had escaped the White Room and enrolled through Sakayanagi's help. I wasn't involved, not even indirectly.
Perhaps because we were on the mountain, the rain chilled the ground, and a thick mist began to rise.
"I... don't deserve to face you two... I'm truly sorry."
Nanase covered her face in shame.
"Don't apologize. Your anger is justified."
It was true—that man had committed a grave sin to retrieve Ayanokouji.
A cold, ruthless being who saw people as nothing more than tools.
But that was also a bitter irony reflecting back on me.
"I... don't belong here."
"You're going to drop out?"
"It's the least I can do to atone."
The instincts I'd honed were the same as his.
As long as I protected myself, it didn't matter what happened to others.
But even if our essence was the same, there was one crucial difference.
The question was whether to pointlessly eliminate fools who got in my way—or not.
He would never extend a hand to those he deemed worthless. That was the decisive difference between us.
I stood up and met Nanase's gaze.
"H-Hikigaya-senpai...?"
I pulled her into a tight hug.
Startled, she stiffened for a moment.
"Ah..."
"If you really feel guilty toward us, then I want you to take back what you just said."
"W-What do you mean...?"
She lifted her face, her tear-filled eyes meeting mine.
"If I may be selfish... I don't want you to leave this school. I want you to help us. Tsukishiro is still scheming to expel us. If that happens, you'd be betraying Eiichirou Matsuo's feelings—the very reason you defied orders to enroll here."
"So... what I should do is the opposite?"
"Will you lend us your strength?"
She wouldn't be able to stand while crying.
Gently touching her face, I wiped her tears with my thumb.
"...I promise."
Wrapping her arms around me, Nanase hugged me back tightly.
Our rain-chilled bodies slowly warmed as we held each other.
"If we stay in the rain, we'll catch cold. Let's move for now."
"...Okay."
Ah, I realized it once again.
Arisu was right.
The warmth of others... is incredibly useful.
=================================
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